President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that the United States could abandon responsibility for long-term security of the Strait of Hormuz and leave it to its European allies. The Strait of Hormuz controls transit of about 20% of the world's oil.

"We no longer 'need,' or desire, the Nato Countries' assistance, WE NEVER DID!" Trump posted on Truth Social last week. Trump also said "It will be very bad for the future of NATO."

NATO allies have refused to join United States efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz. The United States military has deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups near the Persian Gulf.

Senator Lindsey Graham said Europe's attitude made him second-guess the value of the NATO alliances and warned it could have wide and deep consequences.

Several European nations have signaled potential cooperation with U.S. efforts. The United Kingdom has dispatched a military mission to Washington to discuss cooperation on opening the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom may deploy drones and other unmanned weapons systems to help open the strait.

Estonia announced readiness to discuss cooperation with the United States on opening the Strait of Hormuz upon request from President Trump. "Countries that have the capacity and the will to help the United States will do that and should do that," said President Alexander Stubb of Finland.

The British government released a statement endorsed by France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan condemning Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and expressing readiness to contribute to efforts to reopen it.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a full European decoupling from NATO would take at least 20 years and would cost one trillion dollars. The United States carries 60% of NATO's expenses, while European countries are heavily dependent on imported oil.

The United States Navy has nine aircraft carrier strike groups on active duty outside the Persian Gulf. The United States has hundreds of aircraft deployed on the ground across the Middle East.

European militaries use American-made military technology that requires alliance-brokered deals for maintenance and replacement.